CONTROVERSY OVER CRP IN MONTANA - IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Data show that the attitudes of agricultural producers in Montana towa rds CRP are shaped by both perceived benefits (less erosion) and perce ived harm (community economy, weeds, and land rental availability). Th e belief that CRP would reduce soil loss was the most important factor associated with favoring the program, while the view that CRP would h urt local businesses was almost equally as strong in shaping oppositio n. However, after controlling for these perceived impact variables, cr op producers were more likely to favor CRP than are livestock growers. Implications for the future of these lands is discussed.